For many new dog owners, the idea of crate training their puppy can feel daunting. Is it cruel? Is it a cage? The truth is, a crate is not a jail cell; it is a safe, cozy, and secure space that mimics a dog’s natural den instincts. When done correctly, crate training dogs is one of the most effective tools for house training, managing separation anxiety, and ensuring your furry friend’s safety.
A crate becomes your puppy’s own bedroom—a place they can go to relax, feel safe, and have some alone time. This guide will take you through a simple, step-by-step process, providing you with the knowledge and dog crate training tips to make the experience positive and stress-free for both of you.
Step 1: Choosing the Right Crate
The first and most important step is selecting the perfect crate.
- Size Matters: The crate should be just big enough for your puppy to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. If it’s too large, they may use one end as a bathroom and the other for sleeping, defeating the purpose of house training.
- The Divider: For puppies, a crate with a divider is a must. This allows you to adjust the size of the crate as your puppy grows, ensuring it’s always the perfect fit.
- Make it Cozy: Place a soft bed, a blanket, and a couple of their favorite toys inside. A blanket or towel with your scent can also provide comfort and security.
Pro-Tip: Never, ever use the crate as a punishment tool. This is the cardinal rule of crate training dogs. The crate must always be associated with a positive experience.
Step 2: Making the Crate a Happy Place
Your goal is to build a positive association with the crate before you even close the door.
- The Lure: Toss a high-value treat, like a piece of cheese or a delicious puppy chew, into the crate. Let your puppy walk in on their own to get it.
- Door Open: For the first few sessions, simply allow them to go in and out freely. You can even feed them their regular meals just inside the door of the crate, gradually moving the bowl further back.
Step 3: Short, Positive Sessions
Once your puppy is comfortable walking into the crate, it’s time to start closing the door for very short periods.
- 10-Second Intervals: Once your puppy is inside (perhaps enjoying a chew toy), gently close the door. Sit right there and wait for 10-20 seconds. If they remain calm, open the door and praise them enthusiastically.
- Gradually Increase Time: Over several sessions, slowly increase the duration. Wait a minute, then two, then five. The goal is to build up their tolerance gradually. If they start to whine, do not open the door immediately, as this will teach them that whining gets them out. Wait for a brief moment of silence before you open the door.
Step 4: Leaving the Room
After your puppy can handle short durations with you in the room, it’s time to practice leaving the room.
- The Routine: Give your puppy a special, high-value toy (like a Kong stuffed with peanut butter) and put them in the crate. Say a consistent command like “Crate” or “Bed.”
- The Escape: Walk out of sight for a minute or two. Come back and let them out, giving them lots of praise.
- Increase the Time: Slowly increase the time you are out of the room, eventually moving on to leaving the house for very short periods.
Step 5: The Puppy Crate Schedule
Consistency is key to successful crate training puppy behavior. A predictable routine will help your puppy feel secure and manage their house training needs. Here is a sample puppy crate schedule:
| Time of Day | Activity |
| 7:00 AM | Wake up and immediate potty break outside. |
| 7:15 AM | Breakfast in the crate (with door open). |
| 7:30 AM | Playtime and training. |
| 8:30 AM | Crate time for a nap. |
| 10:30 AM | Potty break, then playtime. |
| 12:00 PM | Lunch in the crate, then crate time for a nap. |
| 2:30 PM | Potty break, then supervised play. |
| 5:00 PM | Dinner in the crate. |
| 6:00 PM | Playtime and family bonding. |
| 8:00 PM | Potty break. |
| 9:00 PM | Final potty break, then settle in for the night in the crate. |
Important Note: As a rule of thumb, a puppy can hold their bladder for their age in months plus one hour. For example, a 3-month-old puppy can hold it for about 4 hours.
The Best Dog Crate Training Tips
- Never Force It: Do not push or drag your puppy into the crate. This creates a negative association and will make training much harder.
- Tire Them Out First: A tired puppy is a calm puppy. Take them out for a walk or a good play session before a scheduled crate nap.
- Use Food as a Motivator: Feeding meals and treats inside the crate is one of the quickest ways to build a positive relationship.
- Be Patient: Every dog is different. Some take to it quickly, while others need more time. Be consistent and positive, and your hard work will pay off.
By following this guide, you can make the crate training dogs process easy and effective. You’ll be providing your puppy with a safe, comfortable den of their own, leading to a well-behaved, confident, and house-trained member of the family.